The 21st century has not been kind to Auburn (4-1, 1-0 SEC) against the Georgia Bulldogs (5-0, 3-0 SEC). Since 2002, the Tigers have won just five of 20 meetings with their foe in the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry. In that stretch, Georgia has taken the lead in the series and currently holds a five-game advantage in the all-time record.
There is reason for optimism, though. This year's game will be played in Jordan-Hare Stadium. In that same timeframe since 2002, Auburn has generally kept it close against the Bulldogs at home. Only two Georgia wins in Jordan-Hare Stadium have been decided by more than a touchdown, indicating that the Tigers typically get up for this game and play to the best of their ability.
The last meeting between these teams on the Plains was in 2019, when an Auburn comeback fell short and the Tigers lost 21-14 to a Top 5-ranked Bulldog team. In 2017, the Tigers beat the doors off of Georgia, who at the time had sat at the very top of the College Football Playoff rankings. And in 2015, a crucial fumble at the goal line was all that separated a .500 Auburn squad from extending the game into overtime.
The Tigers will need to do a lot right to beat the vaunted Georgia defense, a unit that's allowed just 23 points in five games. On top of that, Auburn's defense will have to shut down the Bulldogs' offensive attack, which has admittedly been shaky this season. Generating turnovers could be key, as the Bulldogs have coughed up the ball seven times in five games.
It won't be easy, and it's beginning to feel as if Auburn will go up against a top-five Georgia team every year now, but history just might be on the Tigers' side this Saturday. With just a little chaos and maybe a little trademark Jordan-Hare magic, Auburn can put the rest of the Southeastern Conference on notice at the midway point of the season.
